Trouble Ball

[Jim Porter]

Originally posted by JRutledge
Personally, I really do not think saying "I've got the ball" is really necessary. I think if the BU turns their back, they are going and should remain out. The PU should already be half way up the line, and if you are doing your job, you just read what the BU does, then react accordingly. You should not be actually looking at the ball, you see what the fielders are doing. Because if anyone is going to catch the ball, it is going to be the fielders. The fielders are going to tell you where the ball is anyway.

I personally think saying "I've got the ball" just interferes with the fielders. They hear you say that, they might think it is one of their teammates and react accordingly. This might not be the popular way to do it, but if you have experience and know what you are looking for anyway, it is not what you say, it is what you do.

Just my two cents.

You are the first person I have ever heard discourage verbal communication with one's partner.

I doubt it would interfere with the fielders, since it is said by the umpire well before any fielder comes close to making a play.

I must agree with you on one point, though. When you've got two umpires who have been working together for a long time, and they are experienced, the verbal communication melts away. It becomes superfluous. You each know what the other is going to do on any given play.

But, if you're virtual strangers, it's always a good idea to communication verbally as often as needed, I think.